1950-1960 Ty Cobb Post-Career Pro-Model Bat: Personal Gift from Cobb

This 1950-1960 H&B pro-model bat obviously does not date from Cobb's playing days, but is a very fascinating bat nonetheless. It was specially produced for Ty Cobb in the 1950s and was a gift to former New York Giants player Jim Hearn. It is accompanied by a letter detailing this history from the collector who purchased the bat directly from the Hearn family in 1997. According to the family's oral history, Hearn received it from Cobb at the 1951 World Series. As is often the case with family lore, while the basic facts are usually true, the details sometimes become embellished or misinterpreted. Luckily, in this case, the H&B order records are able to sort fact from fancy, and in this rare case provide remarkable clarity. According to the H&B shipping records, Cobb received two signature-model "C28" bats, matching the specifications of the offered bat, in 1957. According to H&B records, these were the only bats of this type ordered and sent to Cobb during this era (1950-1960). The first bat was sent to him on April 8, 1957, and the second on April 19, 1957. Therefore, while Hearn obviously did receive this bat as a personal gift from Cobb, the year of the gift was sometime between 1957 and Cobb's passing in 1961. Fortunately, the precise date of the gift in no way diminishes its significance as an outstanding post-career Cobb bat, specifically ordered by Cobb, and presented as a gift to a friend. A quick check of Jim Hearn's biography shows that both Hearn and Cobb were from Georgia. This is probably not a coincidence and very well may relate to their friendship. The signature-model "C28" bat features Cobb's name deeply stamped on the barrel and matches the specifications of bats used by Cobb during his playing career. Light use is displayed throughout. Length: 34.5 ounces. Weight: 40.6 ounces. LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS. Reserve $300. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $1,880

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